Legal Research Consultant

Nature of the consultancy: International consultant on human rights/international immigration law

1. Project Context and Scope:

Established in 1951, IOM is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. In September 2016, IOM became a related agency of the United Nations (UN), thereby becoming the UN Migration Agency. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all.

As the UN migration agency, IOM mainstreams migration in efforts towards delivering the Sustainable Development Goals; supports governments to implement the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, and serves as Secretariat and Coordinator of the UN Network on Migration.

The Policy and Liaison Unit is responsible to support Member States in establishing comprehensive, rights-based migration policies and legal frameworks are crucial for contributing to safe, orderly and regular migration. The pressing importance of supporting Member States in West and Central Africa (WCA) region on migration law and policy is reflected in the objectives of the Regional UN Network on Migration for WCA, co-chaired by IOM and another UN Agency. IOM aims to foster cooperative, informed and rights-based migration governance across the region, and to promote policy coherence, in partnership with a broad range of stakeholders. A key obstacle to the development and implementation of sound migration policies across the WCA region is the lack of comprehensive policy analysis and dialogue in order to inform policymaking on migration in the region, as well as a dedicated platform to facilitate exchanges between legal practitioners in the migration policy sphere in WCA in particular.

IOM therefore supported the creation of a professional network bringing together legal professionals in WCA to support migration law and policy developments, through expert analysis and dialogue, called the Network of Legal Experts on Migration (NoLEM) for WCA.

The network has conducted its first analysis on “Migration and Detention”. As of now, the following 9 research papers have been finalized: Benin; Burkina Faso; Cameroon; Ghana; Mali; Niger; Nigeria; Senegal and Sierra Leone; 6 research papers in French and 3 research papers in English. The papers have an average of 10 pages with approx. 6200 words each.

The objective of this consultancy is to support the finalization of this research analysis. This research will be conducted in close collaboration with IOM and the Chair of the NoLEM.

1. Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing: Regional Policy and Liaison Unit

Regional Initiative for Enhancing Migration Law and Policy through a Network of Legal Experts on Migration for West and Central Africa- Senegal-RO-Dakar-SN99

1. Category B Consultants: Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment

The consultant will:

First Deliverable: Inception report either in English or French. Deliverable by email by 28 May.

Second Deliverables:

1. 1. Revised nine (9) research papers in their respective languages,
2. Draft the (i) Executive Summary of the publication in English and French languages, capturing key findings and recommendations from the research papers in both French and English versions and (ii) a brief (1 pager) comparative analysis of the 9 contexts papers. – Deliverable by email by 30 June 2024.

Third Deliverables:

1. Final revised research papers (in their respective languages) and executive summary (in English and French), incorporating comments and feedback received from IOM and the NoLEM. Deliverable by email by 15 July 2024.
2. Performance indicators for the evaluation of results
3. Timeliness: The consultant should deliver the first comprehensive inception report by the specified deadline of by 28 May 2024.
4. Approval process and adoptability: The consultant should submit the revised research papers by the agreed deadline. However, the consultant should be available should any of the papers not comply with the reviewing and needed rectifying process. This demonstrates the consultant’s ability to adapt to decisions and timelines set by the stakeholders.
5. Regular engagement and progress meetings with IOM;
6. Timeliness of responses, attendance to meetings and keeping appointments as scheduled,
7. Ability to meet deadlines.
8. Education, Experience and/or skills required

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree (Bachelor or Master) in law with specialization in international immigration law or human rights law with five years of relevant professional experience, or
• University degree in the above field with seven years of relevant professional experience.

EXPERIENCE

• Proven experience in conducting legal research, analysis and assessments in English and French particularly in the area of international immigration law and/or human rights law.
• Strong understanding of international legal frameworks governing migration and detention, including relevant treaties, conventions, and case law.
• Previous experience providing legal consultancy services to organizations or government agencies, particularly in the field of migration, human rights, or international development.
• Strong analytical and writing skills, with the ability to present complex legal concepts in a clear and concise manner.
• Work experience in international/multi-cultural and/or UN system, is an advantage. As well as knowledge of cooperation with the African Union.
• Work experience in the field of migration an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• High level of computer literacy usage of office MS Office applications (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Fluency in English and French.

SKILLS

• employ proactive, strategic, and detail-oriented approach while maintaining quality, efficiency, and overall effectiveness.
• attention to detail.
• conduct background research and data analysis to support presentations, proposals, and reports.
• excellent communication skills in both French and English, with the ability to effectively communicate complex legal concepts to diverse audiences, including non-legal stakeholders.
• strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to conduct thorough legal research, analyze complex legal issues, and provide practical recommendations.
• ability to manage projects independently, meet deadlines, and deliver high-quality work under pressure.
• cultural sensitivity and awareness of the socio-political context in Senegal and the West and Central African region, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

1. Travel required: No travel required.
2. Competencies

Values

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators

• Teamwork: develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.